As Bill C-355, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act, stalls in the Senate, a slew of celebrities have written a letter to Canadian senators urging them to pass it now.
Among the notable signatories are Jann Arden, Bryan Adams, Elisha Cuthbert and Queen’s Brian May, as well as support from the Canadian acting community, including stars in shows like Star Trek: Discovery, The Handmaid’s Tale, Workin’ Moms, and Heartland.
It’s not only celebrities who see the need for more action. More than 20 veterinary and animal welfare experts and more than a dozen animal advocacy organizations have also signed the letter urging senators to study and pass this lifesaving bill, which was passed by the House of Commons in May.
“Since 2006, tens of thousands of terrified horses have been crammed into shoddy wooden crates and flown 8,000 km to their demise, enduring turbulence, thirst and hunger, and abject fear,” said Jann Arden in a statement. “To say this practice is inhumane would be an understatement. Canadians want this to end.”
As we reported in Horse-Canada, Bill C-355 was introduced last September by MP Tim Louis to end the practice of shipping horses from Canada overseas to Japan for slaughter. The Bill is being delayed by a handful of Senators and has seen little progress in the Senate since May. The clock is ticking – if the bill is to become law it must pass before the next federal election.
“In an industry where live draft horses are regarded as little more than slaughter-bound air cargo, it is abundantly clear that the well-being of these animals is compromised for the sake of profit,” says Canadian Horse Defence Coalition president Sinikka Crosland. “We need to raise the bar for horses, bringing their welfare into line with what Canadians expect.”
Tens of thousands of Canadians have called and written to Senators, urging them to study and pass the bill. Yet as the legislation remains in limbo, these shipments continue to be sent overseas for slaughter, with horses enduring grueling journeys. Most shipments appear to go over the legal limit of 28 hours without food, water, and rest.
“Horses exported for slaughter are shipped in conditions that are far worse than horses shipped for sport or other purposes,” explains veterinarian Dr. Judith Samson-French. “What’s worse, they’re often denied food, water, and rest for 28 or more hours, putting them at even greater risk of suffering, illness, injury, and even death.”
Yet these shipments continue despite the revelations uncovered through recent investigations by Animal Justice and Japan-based Life Investigation Agency. Based on Government of Japan records, between June 2023 and May 2024 alone, at least 21 horses exported for slaughter died in transport or in the hours and days shortly thereafter.
More than 50 others were injured or became seriously ill during this time. None of these injuries, illnesses, or deaths were reported to Canadian officials.
Bill C-355 reflects a promise made to Canadians during the last federal election, and enjoys broad public support across the political spectrum. With a pending election expected in 2025, Ms. Arden and the letter’s numerous other signatories are concerned about the Senate’s delay in studying and ultimately passing this legislation.
“Due to the Senate’s inaction, thousands of horses will continue to suffer and endure inhumane transport conditions while being exported for slaughter in Japan,” says Ewa Demianowicz, senior campaign manager for Humane Society International/Canada. “Given the blatant evidence that this industry is inhumane, it is simply unacceptable that Canada is allowing it to continue. Canadians have waited long enough to see an end to this shameful industry. The Senate must act immediately and finally adopt Bill C-355, to spare horses from this cruelty.”
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